Shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden

Shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden

The Shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden in Donggao is situated on the hillside behind Yuetai Middle School. Legend has it that in Donggao, the "Holy Immortal Maiden," named Weiying, was the daughter of Qu Yuan, the great patriotic poet of the Warring States period. Born in turbulent times marked by endless warfare, she wandered with her parents, witnessed the fall of her nation and the suffering of the people, and grew deeply concerned for her country and its citizens. Along with her father Qu Yuan, she committed suicide by drowning in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 276 BC. This heroine sacrificed herself for her country, moving both heaven and earth, and touching spirits. The Jade Emperor, deeply moved by her sincerity, transformed her into an immortal. At the beginning of each year, the “Holy Immortal Maiden” is welcomed and seen off in the paper-dragon procession, with Qu Yuan’s effigy seated in the boat, symbolizing mourning for his loyal spirit.

According to the genealogy of the Leng family, Leng Yingwei, a scholar of the Baizhang Pavilion and a military governor during the Song Dynasty, along with his ancestor Guangzu, revered the "Holy Immortal Maiden" for her devotion. The 16th-generation ancestor (between 1172 and 1330 AD), Xunguang (also known as Donggao), relocated from Bailing Town to Donggao and brought the worship of the "Holy Immortal Maiden" with him.

Descendants of Donggao later selected a site to build the Donggao Ancestral Hall. In the year Renwu of the Daoguang era (1822 AD), the 21st-generation ancestor Gongjue (also known as Yian), a descendant of the ancestral hall, built the Yian Ancestral Hall and Ganlu Temple on the left side of the main hall. Ganlu Temple served as the old ancestral shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden and was worshipped year-round. Between 1844 AD (the year Jiachen of the Daoguang era), descendants of the 21st-generation ancestor Muan (a different branch) constructed the Muan Ancestral Hall on the right side of the main hall. The Xuyun Palace became the new ancestral shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden, covering an area of 520 square meters and standing over two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) tall. The ancestral hall and shrine were integrated into one magnificent structure, continuously attracting worshippers.

During the Cultural Revolution, the Shrine of the Holy Immortal Maiden was completely destroyed. Her descendants mourned the loss deeply. After the ten-year turmoil, when the clouds finally cleared, descendants rejoiced and, with generous donations from community members, rebuilt the “Holy Immortal Maiden” shrine in 1993 at the original site. From August 2006 to February 2007, the “Holy Goddess Archway” and “Immortal Pavilion” were constructed, covering a total area of 620 square meters. The shrine, pavilion, and archway, all over two zhang tall, were integrated into a unified complex. The “Holy Goddess Archway” stands about 20 meters in front of the “Holy Immortal Maiden Shrine,” built from light blue marble, elegant, upright, and towering. The “Immortal Pavilion” is located to the left of the shrine entrance, featuring a circular octagonal roof with bluestone slabs inlaid at the top, engraved with “The Record of the Holy Immortal Maiden” and “The Record of Scholar Leng Yingwei.” These inscriptions exude an antique charm and majestic grace. The “Holy Goddess Shrine” is situated to the rear right of the “Immortal Pavilion.” Its grand entrance spans over a zhang in width, and the shrine itself rises over two zhang high. The statue of the Holy Immortal Maiden sits solemnly at the center-rear of the shrine, flanked by side rooms. The central roof is octagonal, allowing ample sunlight into the interior. The space is resplendent and dignified, radiating solemnity.

The shrine, pavilion, and archway are nestled against the mountain and near the water. A small stream flows gently nearby, while distant mountains stretch into the horizon. The lush green hills and clear blue waters complement each other, creating a spectacular view. Pilgrims come in an endless stream, making the site a place of flourishing worship.